Nasu, Southern in China

People Name:	Nasu, Southern
Country:	China
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	137,000
World Population:	137,000
Primary Language:	Nisu, Northern
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	0.12 %
Evangelicals:	0.10 %
Scripture:	Portions
Ministry Resources:	No
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	No
People Cluster:	Tibeto-Burman, other
Affinity Bloc:	Tibetan-Himalayan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Southern Nasu probably originated in southern Sichuan and northern Yunnan many centuries ago. The name Nasu means "black people." The color black is revered by the Nasu.

Although this people group calls itself merely Nasu, an added description is needed in order to separate them from other groups who refer to themselves as Nasu but who speak different languages and dialects. The Southern Nasu are also different from the Nisu in Xinping and Yuanyang counties who have been profiled separately.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Southern Nasu retain many aspects of their traditional culture, including the four-stringed guitar and a host of folk dances and songs. They also participate in the annual Torch Festival which takes place on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Southern Nasu are polytheists who attempt to placate a wide array of spirits and deities. Some spirits are considered helpful while others are evil and cause death, sickness, and destruction. One source says, "Animistic spirituality and ancestor worship is alive and well among this people. The Southern Nasu of Eshan County still have living bimos or sorcerers who perform rites and incantations from the ancient script to appease demons and ward off evil from sick persons, households, and at funerals. Besides the bimo there is a significant number of ordinary people who have linked themselves with the spirit world, and are able, through such channels, to heal sicknesses."

There are known Christians among the Southern Nasu. These believers meet in Han Chinese churches in the townships of Yuxi Prefecture. There is no Nasu-language congregation in existence. Today most Southern Nasu have no knowledge of Christianity. Mission work among them prior to 1949 was nonexistent. In 1998 the Christian ministry global recordings produced audio tapes of the gospel message in Southern Nasu resulting in a few people making decisions to follow Christ.

What Are Their Needs?

The Southern Nasu need to understand they desperately need a savior; they can’t make it on their own.

Prayer Points

Pray for Bible translation and vision and dreams of Jesus.
Pray for signs and wonders to happen among them and for great breakthroughs with a rapid multiplication of disciples and house churches.
Pray for bold workers who are driven by the love of the Holy Spirit to go to them.
Pray for a movement to Christ to come to them soon.